Local authority elections throughout New Zealand are held every three years, and are conducted by postal vote. The elections are conducted under the provisions of the Local Electoral Act 2001, the Local Electoral Regulations 2001 and the Local Government Act 2002.

Following the government review of Environment Canterbury in 2010, the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act was passed by government on March 30, 2010. This Act gave the government temporary powers to suspend local council elections in Canterbury and to appoint commissioners to replace councillors.